DARLINGTON striker Peter Duffield is expected to sign for York City within the next 24 hours.

The Evening Press understands Duffield will put pen to paper on a two year contract imminently, following hot on the heels of Graham Potter's arrival at Bootham Crescent in midweek.

The arrival of poacher Duffield will bring to an end manager Terry Dolan's long search for a proven goalscorer after missing out on striker Luke Beckett to Chesterfield.

It is not clear at this stage what sort of fee will be involved but it is believed the money paid by City will be linked to appearances.

City chairman Douglas Craig confirmed today Duffield was heading to York for talks.

He said: "Subject to agreeing personal terms with the player it is very likely he will sign for us."

Earlier this week, Darlington boss David Hodgson played down speculation linking City with a move for Duffield, who banged in 13 goals in just 26 starts for the Quakers last season.

Hodgson claimed he had heard the rumours but said there had been no official contact between the clubs.

However, the diminutive front man is known to be keen on a move to a club nearer his Sheffield home.

Now, after seeing star striker Marco Gabbiadini move to Northampton Town, Hodgson has reluctantly accepted Duffield is on his way out of Feethams too.

Hodgson said: "Peter has told me that he doesn't want to move from Sheffield and would prefer a club closer to his family home.

"His attitude and his professionalism at Darlington have been excellent."

Duffield and Gabbiadini formed a prolific partnership when paired together as Darlington missed out on promotion in a heartbreaking Wembley play-off final against Peterborough.

Between them, the pair plundered more than 40 goals.

Middlesbrough-born Duffield started his career with his hometown club before signing for Sheffield United. In 58 appearances for the Blades he grabbed 14 goals but was unable to hold down a regular first team place.

A handful of loan stints were endured away from Bramall Lane; at Halifax Town, Rotherham, Blackpool, Bournemouth, Stockport County and Crewe.

It was while at the Shay that Duffield showed his keen eye for goal, banging in six goals in just 12 appearances.

That potential was finally realised in a two year spell with Hamilton Academical in the Scottish First Division, when Duffield scored 39 times in just 72 appearances.

After shorter spells with Raith and Airdrie, Duffield was snapped up by Morton in 1997 for £100,000, scoring ten goals in 30 appearances, before moving again, this time to Falkirk.

He finally returned to his native North East last year, signing for Darlington after a successful initial loan spell.